After the danger with Rockmouth, Brightbill quickly forgets the incident and spends his mornings swimming with the other goslings. As Brightbill practices, he becomes both a stronger swimmer and a more confident speaker, cheerfully introducing himself to anyone nearby.

Brightbill remains small for his age, but Brightbill grows stronger every day. Brightbill’s appetite grows with his body, and Brightbill eats grass, berries, nuts, leaves, insects, and almost anything else Brightbill finds.

Roz becomes alarmed when Roz sees Brightbill swallowing pebbles on the beach and tries holding Brightbill upside down to make the pebbles fall out. Loudwing intervenes and explains that eating some pebbles is natural for a goose because the pebbles help with digestion, though Loudwing warns Brightbill not to eat too many.

Brightbill’s curiosity leads Brightbill to explore the garden, pond, forest floor, and even neighboring homes. When Brightbill wanders into holes and greets the animals inside, Roz carefully retrieves Brightbill with a long arm and politely apologizes for the intrusion.

At night, Roz and Brightbill settle into a steady routine. While Brightbill sleeps, Roz tends the fire in cool weather, fans Brightbill in warm weather, brings food or water when needed, and comforts Brightbill whenever nightmares wake him.